Sunday’s question of the day: In all of sports, which one team can be considered “America’s team”?
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Is it still the Cowboys? Or someone else? Reporters from the Tribune family tackle the question of the day, then you get a chance to chime in and tell them why they are wrong.
John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times
The Dallas Cowboys were once America’s team although we’re not sure they were voted that honor or just announced it. You know them Texans. And then there was the time that both the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs were laying claim to that distinction because of their superstation coverage of just about every game. But now, with virtually every sports event available on cable or satellite you have to look at which team brings the most raw emotion. So, you need look no further than your television tonight for Game 5 of the World Series. It’s the New York Yankees. Love them or hate them they rally your emotions. Now, it is an ironic stand to call them America’s team. America is all about making money. The Yankees are about spending it.
Bill Kline, Allentown Morning Call
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not glitz like the Cowboys. They are not moneyed like New York and the Yankees. They are not Hollywood glamour or Showtime. And they most certainly are not lovable, embraceable losers.
The Steelers, you see, represent what’s good and right about America: That hard work, strong defense and, when it’s needed, an effective offense or counter-attack will win out.
Pennsylvania steelworkers were the backbone of America’s industrial revolution, and now the Steelers are the blueprint for working hard and doing things right in sports. When sports turns sordid with shootings and steroids and scandals, fans can always take solace in the sturdy Steelers.
Even the name ‘Pittsburgh’ is as rock solid as a crushing tackle by Jack Lambert or a thundering run by Jerome Bettis.
The Pittsburgh Steelers: A solid team in a solid town filled with solid people. Ain’t that America.